Clothes treating apparatus and method for controlling clothes treating apparatus

Abstract

A clothes treating apparatus comprises: a tub; a drying device for supplying hot air to the tub; a drain pump for discharging water stored in the tub to the outside; a temperature sensor provided at a predetermined height from the bottom surface of the tub; and a control unit which operates the drying device in response to the start of a drying process, operates the drain pump for a predetermined time in response to the detection of a predetermined condition by the temperature sensor, and determines the end time of the drying process on the basis of the operation cycle of the drain pump.

Description

Garment treatment device and method for controlling the garment treatment device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a garment treatment device including a drying device and a method for controlling the garment treatment device.

[0002] A garment treatment device is a device for treating and / or managing garments. The garment treatment device may include a washing machine and a dryer. The washing machine may include a combined washing machine and dryer.

[0003] A washing machine with a dryer is a device that uses the driving force of a motor to mix laundry, water, and detergent inside a tub together, thereby washing through friction between them.

[0004] The cycles performed by a washing machine with a dryer may include a washing cycle in which detergent and water are supplied to a tub containing laundry and the drum is rotated to wash the laundry, a rinsing cycle in which water is supplied to the tub and the drum is rotated to rinse the laundry, and a dehydration cycle in which water is discharged from the tub and the drum is rotated to remove moisture from the laundry.

[0005] The cycle performed by a washing machine with a dryer may include a drying cycle in which heat generated by a drying device is blown into a space containing laundry to dry laundry. The washing machine with a dryer may include a drying device to perform the drying cycle.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a clothing treatment device and a method for controlling the clothing treatment device that can end a drying cycle at an optimal timing according to the dryness of laundry without a dryness sensor.

[0007] The present disclosure provides a clothing treatment device and a method for controlling the clothing treatment device that can terminate a drying process at an optimal timing using a water level sensor.

[0008] The present disclosure provides a garment treatment device and a method for controlling the garment treatment device that can terminate a drying process at an optimal timing using a temperature sensor.

[0009] The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a clothing treatment device includes: a tub; a drying device that supplies hot air to the tub; a drain pump that discharges water stored in the tub to the outside; a temperature sensor provided at a predetermined height from a bottom surface of the tub; and a control unit that operates the drying device in response to the start of a drying cycle, operates the drain pump for a predetermined period of time in response to a predetermined condition being detected by the temperature sensor, and determines an end point of the drying cycle based on an operating cycle of the drain pump.

[0011] A method for controlling a clothing treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: operating a drying device in response to the start of a drying cycle; operating a drain pump for a predetermined period of time in response to a predetermined condition being detected by a temperature sensor provided at a predetermined height from the bottom of a tub; and determining an end point of the drying cycle based on an operating cycle of the drain pump.

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates an internal view of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a part of a configuration arranged inside a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates a configuration arranged inside a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure from a different direction than that illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0016] FIG. 5 is an exploded view showing a part of a drying device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates a tub of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of configurations of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operations performed by a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are flowcharts illustrating an example of a method for controlling a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 11 illustrates a scene where water comes into contact with a temperature sensor as water fills a tub of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 12 illustrates a scene where water that came into contact with a temperature sensor is drained while the drain pump of a clothing treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure operates.

[0023] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of the bottom surface of a tub of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 14 is a drawing for explaining the drain pump operation cycle in the drying cycle of a clothing treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] The various embodiments used to illustrate the principles of the present disclosure, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 14 below, are merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the principles of the present disclosure can be implemented in any appropriately arranged system or device.

[0026] It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0027] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0028] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0029] In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0030] The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0031] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0032] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0033] The terms “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in this document, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0034] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0035] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0036] Washing machines according to various embodiments can perform washing, rinsing, spin-drying, and drying cycles. A washing machine is an example of a clothing treatment device, and the term "clothing treatment device" encompasses devices that wash clothing (laundry items, drying items), devices that dry clothing, and devices that can perform both washing and drying of clothing.

[0037] Washing machines according to various embodiments may include top-loading washing machines in which the laundry inlet for loading or removing laundry is provided facing upward, or front-loading washing machines in which the laundry inlet is provided facing forward. Washing machines according to various embodiments may include washing machines of other loading methods other than top-loading washing machines and front-loading washing machines.

[0038] In the case of a top-loading washing machine, laundry can be washed using a water current generated by a rotating body such as a pulsator. In the case of a front-loading washing machine, laundry can be washed by rotating the drum to repeatedly raise and lower the laundry. The front-loading washing machine may include a washing machine with a dryer that can dry the laundry contained inside the drum. The washing machine with a dryer may include a hot air supply device for supplying high-temperature air into the drum and a condensing device for removing moisture from the air discharged from the drum. For example, the washing machine with a dryer may include a heat pump device. The washing machine according to various embodiments may include a washing machine with a washing method other than the washing method described above.

[0039] Washing machines according to various embodiments may include a housing that accommodates various components therein. The housing may be provided in the form of a box with a laundry inlet formed on one side.

[0040] A washing machine may include a door for opening and closing the laundry compartment. The door may be rotatably mounted to the housing by a hinge. At least a portion of the door may be transparent or translucent to allow the interior of the housing to be viewed.

[0041] The washing machine may include a tub provided within the housing to store water. The tub may be provided in a generally cylindrical shape with a tub opening formed on one side, and may be positioned within the housing such that the tub opening corresponds to the laundry inlet.

[0042] The tub may be connected to the housing by a damper. The damper can absorb vibrations generated when the drum rotates, thereby reducing the vibrations transmitted to the housing.

[0043] A washing machine may include a drum configured to accommodate laundry.

[0044] The drum may be positioned within the tub such that the drum opening provided on one side corresponds to the laundry inlet and the tub opening. Laundry may be sequentially passed through the laundry inlet, the tub opening, and the drum opening to be accommodated within the drum or taken out from the drum.

[0045] The drum rotates within the tub and can perform washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying operations. The cylindrical wall of the drum is formed with a number of perforations, allowing water stored in the tub to flow into or out of the drum.

[0046] A washing machine may include a drive device configured to rotate a drum. The drive device may include a drive motor and a rotating shaft for transmitting driving force generated by the drive motor to the drum. The rotating shaft may be connected to the drum by penetrating the tub.

[0047] The driving device can rotate the drum forward or backward to perform each operation according to the washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration, or drying cycle.

[0048] A washing machine may include a water supply device configured to supply water to a tub. The water supply device may include a water supply pipe and a water supply valve provided on the water supply pipe. The water supply pipe may be connected to an external water source. The water supply pipe may extend from the external water source to a detergent supply device and / or the tub. Water may be supplied to the tub via the detergent supply device. Water may be supplied to the tub without passing through the detergent supply device.

[0049] The water supply valve can open or close the water supply pipe in response to an electrical signal from the control unit. The water supply valve can allow or block the supply of water to the tub from an external water source. The water supply valve may include, for example, a solenoid valve that opens and closes in response to an electrical signal.

[0050] A washing machine may include a detergent supply device configured to supply detergent to a tub. The detergent supply device may include a manual detergent supply device that requires a user to add detergent for each wash cycle, and an automatic detergent supply device that stores a large amount of detergent and automatically supplies a predetermined amount of detergent during a wash cycle. The detergent supply device may include a detergent compartment for storing detergent. The detergent supply device may be configured to supply detergent into the tub during a water supply process. Water supplied through a water supply pipe may be mixed with detergent via the detergent supply device. The water mixed with detergent may be supplied into the tub. Detergent is used as a comprehensive term for pre-wash detergent, main wash detergent, fabric softener, bleach, etc., and the detergent compartment may be divided into a pre-wash detergent storage area, a main wash detergent storage area, a fabric softener storage area, and a bleach storage area.

[0051] A washing machine may include a drainage device configured to discharge water contained in a tub to the outside. The drainage device may include a drain pipe extending from the bottom of the tub to the outside of the housing, a drain valve provided in the drain pipe to open and close the drain pipe, and a pump provided on the drain pipe. The pump may pump water in the drain pipe to the outside of the housing.

[0052] The washing machine may include a control panel positioned on one side of the housing. The control panel may provide a user interface for a user to interact with the washing machine. The user interface may include at least one input interface and at least one output interface.

[0053] At least one input interface can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal. The at least one input interface can include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or a course selection button), and a wash / rinse / spin setting button. The at least one input interface can include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0054] At least one output interface can visually or audibly convey information related to the operation of the washing machine to the user. For example, at least one output interface can convey information related to the washing cycle, the operating time of the washing machine, and the washing / rinsing / spin settings to the user. Information related to the operation of the washing machine can be output via a screen, an indicator, voice, etc. At least one output interface can include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0055] The washing machine may include a communication circuit (communication module) for communicating with an external device via wires and / or wirelessly.

[0056] The communication module may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0057] The communication module can transmit data to or receive data from external devices (e.g., a server, a user device, and / or a home appliance). For example, the communication module can establish communication with a server, a user device, and / or a home appliance, and transmit and receive various data.

[0058] To this end, the communication module may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between external devices, and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the communication module may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Any of these communication modules may communicate with the external device via a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0059] The short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication module, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication module, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication module, an UWB (ultrawideband) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc.

[0060] The long-distance communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-distance communication and may include a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0061] In one embodiment, the communication module can communicate with external devices such as a server, a user device, and other home appliances through a peripheral access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the washing machine or the user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The washing machine or the user device can be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN). The control unit can control various components of the washing machine, such as a drive motor and a water inlet valve. The control unit can control various components of the washing machine to perform at least one cycle, including water supply, washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying, according to a user input. For example, the control unit can control the drive motor to adjust the rotation speed of the drum, or control the water inlet valve of the water supply device to supply water to the tub.

[0062] The control unit may include hardware such as a CPU or memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the control unit may include an algorithm for controlling the operation of components within the washing machine, at least one memory storing program-type data, and at least one processor performing the aforementioned operation using data stored in the at least one memory. The memory and the processor may each be implemented as separate chips. The processor may include one or more processor chips or one or more processing cores. The memory may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks. Additionally, the memory and the processor may be implemented as a single chip.

[0063] Hereinafter, various embodiments of a garment treatment device will be specifically described with reference to the attached drawings. While a washing machine / dryer is described as an example of a garment treatment device, the concepts of the present disclosure are not limited to washing machines / dryers, and can be applied to various devices for treating and / or managing garments.

[0064] The terms “front,” “rear,” “left,” and “right” used in the description below are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0065] For example, the X-axis direction can be defined as the front-back direction, the Y-axis direction can be defined as the left-right direction, and the Z-axis direction can be defined as the up-down direction.

[0066] FIG. 1 illustrates a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 illustrates an internal view of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of a component arranged inside a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 illustrates a component arranged inside a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure from a different direction than that illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of a portion of a drying device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0067] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a garment treatment device (1) according to various embodiments may include a housing (10) that accommodates various components therein. The housing (10) may be provided in the form of a box with a laundry inlet (11) formed on one side. The laundry inlet (11) may be provided to face approximately forward.

[0068] The garment treatment device (1) may include a laundry door (17) for opening and closing the laundry inlet (11). The laundry door (17) may be rotatably mounted to the housing (10) by a hinge. At least a portion of the laundry door (17) may be transparent or translucent so as to allow the interior of the housing (10) to be visible. For example, the laundry door (17) may include tempered glass.

[0069] The garment treatment device (1) may include a lower door (18) configured to allow access to a lower detergent supply device (60). The garment treatment device (1) may include an upper door (19) configured to allow access to an upper detergent supply device (50) and a filter (95).

[0070] The clothing treatment device (1) may include a tub (20) provided inside the housing (10) to store water. The tub (20) is provided in a roughly cylindrical shape with a tub opening (21) formed on one side, and may be arranged inside the housing (10) so that the tub opening (21) corresponds to the laundry inlet (11). The tub opening (21) may be provided to face approximately forward. The laundry door (17) may open or close the tub opening (21).

[0071] The tub (20) can be connected to the housing (10) by a damper (25). The damper (25) can absorb vibrations generated when the drum (30) rotates and attenuate vibrations transmitted to the housing (10).

[0072] A clothing treatment device (1) may include a drum (30) configured to accommodate laundry. At least one lifter (33) may be provided inside the drum (30) to perform washing by raising and lowering laundry.

[0073] The drum (30) may be placed inside the tub (20) such that the drum opening (31) provided on one side corresponds to the laundry inlet (11) and the tub opening (21). Laundry may pass through the laundry inlet (11), the tub opening (21) and the drum opening (31) in sequence to be accommodated inside the drum (30) or taken out from the drum (30). The drum opening (31) may be provided to face approximately forward.

[0074] The drum (30) can perform each operation according to the washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration cycle while rotating inside the tub (20). A plurality of holes (32) are formed in the cylindrical wall of the drum (30), so that water stored in the tub (20) can flow into the inside of the drum (30) or flow out from the outside of the drum (30).

[0075] The garment treatment device (1) may include a driving device (36) configured to rotate a drum (30). The driving device (36) may include a driving motor (36a) and a rotating shaft for transmitting driving force generated by the driving motor (36a) to the drum (30). The rotating shaft may pass through the tub (20) and be connected to the drum (30).

[0076] The driving device (36) can rotate the drum (30) forward or backward to perform each operation according to the washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration, or drying cycle.

[0077] The clothing treatment device (1) may include a water supply device (40). The water supply device (40) may include water supply valves (41, 42) that can be connected to an external water source. For example, the water supply valves (41, 42) may include a first water supply valve (41) for supplying hot water and a second water supply valve (42) for supplying cold water. The first water supply valve (41) may be referred to as a hot water valve. The second water supply valve (42) may be referred to as a cold water valve.

[0078] The water supply device (40) may include a water supply valve (41, 42) and a water supply pipe (43, 44). The water supply pipe (43, 44) may be provided as a flexible material hose, a plastic pipe, or a metal pipe. The water supply pipe (43, 44) may be connected to the water supply valve (41, 42). For example, the water supply pipe (43, 44) may include a first water supply pipe (43) connected to a first water supply valve (41), and a second water supply pipe (44) connected to a second water supply valve (42). The first water supply pipe (43) may be referred to as a hot water pipe. The second water supply pipe (44) may be referred to as a cold water pipe.

[0079] At least one of the water supply pipes (43, 44) can guide water from the water supply valve (41, 42) to the tub (20). At least one of the water supply pipes (43, 44) can extend from the water supply valve (42) to the tub (20). Water can be supplied to the lower detergent supply device (60) via the tub (20). Water can also be supplied to the lower detergent supply device (60) without passing through the tub (20).

[0080] The water supply valves (41, 42) can open or close the water supply pipes (43, 44). The water supply valves (41, 42) can allow or block the supply of water from an external water source to the tub (20). For example, the water supply valves (41, 42) may include solenoid valves that open and close in response to an electrical signal.

[0081] The garment treatment device (1) may include a detergent supply device (50, 60) configured to supply detergent to the tub (20). The detergent supply device (50, 60) may include an upper detergent supply device (50) and a lower detergent supply device (60). The term "detergent" may be used as a comprehensive term for pre-wash detergent, main wash detergent, fabric softener, bleach, etc.

[0082] The upper detergent supply device (50) may be located at the upper part of the tub (20). The upper detergent supply device (50) may be located above the tub (20) in the vertical direction. The upper detergent supply device (50) may include a manual detergent supply device that requires the user to add detergent for each wash, or an automatic detergent supply device that stores a large amount of detergent and automatically adds a predetermined amount of detergent during the wash. The upper detergent supply device (50) may be connected to the tub (20) via a detergent connection pipe (51). For example, the upper detergent supply device (50) may be configured to supply solid detergent and / or fabric softener to the tub (20). However, the type of detergent is not limited to the above-described examples.

[0083] The detergent connecting pipe (51) may be provided in a U shape. The detergent connecting pipe (51) may be provided as a flexible hose, plastic pipe, or metal pipe. One end of the detergent connecting pipe (51) may be connected to the upper detergent supply device (50), and the other end of the detergent connecting pipe (51) may be connected to the tub (20). In the vertical direction with respect to the ground, one end and the other end of the detergent connecting pipe (51) may be located higher than the bent portion of the detergent connecting pipe (51). Therefore, water may accumulate at the bent portion of the detergent connecting pipe (51). The water accumulated at the bent portion of the detergent connecting pipe (51) may prevent moisture inside the tub (20) from being discharged to the outside through the upper detergent supply device (50).

[0084] The lower detergent supply device (60) may be located at the bottom of the tub (20). The lower detergent supply device (60) may be located vertically lower than the tub (20). The lower detergent supply device (60) may include a manual detergent supply device that requires the user to add detergent for each wash, or an automatic detergent supply device that stores a large amount of detergent and automatically adds a predetermined amount of detergent during the wash. For example, the lower detergent supply device (60) may be provided to supply liquid detergent and / or fabric softener to the tub (20). The type of detergent is not limited to the above-described examples.

[0085] The clothing treatment device (1) may include a drainage device (70) configured to discharge water contained in the tub (20) to the outside. The drainage device (70) may include a drainage pump (71) for discharging water in the tub (20) to the outside of the housing (10).

[0086] The clothing treatment device (1) may include a circulation pump (76) for circulating water in the tub (20) back into the tub (20).

[0087] In one embodiment, the circulation pump (76) can circulate water from the tub (20) through the lower detergent supply device (60) and back into the tub (20).

[0088] The circulation pump (76) may be directly connected to the tub (20) via the tub connection pipe (72), or may be connected to the tub (20) via the tub connection pipe (72) and the lower detergent supply device (60).

[0089] The circulation pump (76) may include a circulation path for discharging water supplied from the tub (20) through the tub connection pipe (72) back to the tub (20). The circulation path may be formed by a circulation pipe (77).

[0090] The circulation pipe (77) can guide water pumped by the circulation pump (76) to the upper side of the tub (20).

[0091] The upper side of the tub (20) may mean a position having a predetermined height from the bottom surface of the tub (20).

[0092] The circulation pipe (77) can guide water pumped by the circulation pump (76) into the interior of the drum (30). That is, the circulation path can guide water stored in the tub (20) into the interior of the drum (30).

[0093] A circulation valve (77v) may be placed in the circulation path formed by the circulation pipe (77). The circulation valve (77v) may open and close the circulation path formed by the circulation pipe (77).

[0094] When the circulation pump (76) operates with the circulation valve (77v) open, water stored on the bottom of the tub (20) moves to the circulation path through the tub connection pipe (72), and as a result, can fall into the interior of the drum (30).

[0095] The circulation pump (76) can operate during the washing cycle and / or the rinsing cycle, etc., and when the circulation pump (76) operates during the washing cycle and / or the rinsing cycle, etc., water falls on the laundry contained in the drum (30), thereby increasing the washing efficiency and / or the rinsing efficiency.

[0096] In the present disclosure, the term 'tube' may be referred to as a 'guide' in terms of guiding a fluid, or may be replaced with a term such as a 'hose'.

[0097] The drainage device (70) can be connected to the tub (20) through a tub connection pipe (72). The drainage device (70) can discharge water from the tub (20) to the outside of the housing (10) through a drain pipe (73).

[0098] The garment treatment device (1) may include a water level sensor (200) that detects the water level within the tub (20). The water level sensor (200) may be located outside the tub (20). For example, the water level sensor (200) may be installed at the bottom of the upper detergent supply device (50). The location of the water level sensor (200) is not limited to the example.

[0099] The water level sensor (200) can be connected to a connecting hose (201) extending from a branch pipe (72a) of a tub connecting pipe (72). The water level sensor (200) can be installed at the end of the connecting hose (201) connected to the tub connecting pipe (72). The water level of the connecting hose (201) can be the same as the water level of the tub (20).

[0100] When the water level in the tub (20) rises, the water level in the connecting hose (201) rises. When the water level in the connecting hose (201) rises, the pressure inside the connecting hose (201) may increase. The water level sensor (200) can detect a change in pressure inside the connecting hose (201) and can detect a water level inside the tub (20) corresponding to the pressure inside the connecting hose (201). The water level sensor (200) can generate an electrical signal corresponding to the pressure inside the connecting hose (201). The frequency of the electrical signal generated by the water level sensor (200) may vary depending on the change in pressure inside the connecting hose (201).

[0101] As another example, the water level sensor (200) may be installed inside the tub (20). As the water level inside the tub (20) rises, the pressure applied to the water level sensor (200) increases. The water level sensor (200) can detect the water level inside the tub (20) corresponding to the pressure.

[0102] The garment treatment device (1) may include a control panel (100) arranged on one side of the housing (10). The control panel (100) may provide a user interface for interaction between a user and the garment treatment device (1). The user interface may include at least one input interface (101) and at least one output interface (102).

[0103] For example, at least one input interface (101) can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal. At least one input interface (101) can include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or a course selection button), and a wash / rinse / spin setting button. At least one input interface (101) can include a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0104] At least one output interface (102) can visually or audibly convey information related to the operation of the garment treatment device (1) to the user. For example, at least one output interface (102) can convey information related to the washing course, the operating time of the garment treatment device (1), and the washing / rinsing / spin-drying settings to the user. Information related to the operation of the garment treatment device (1) can be output through a screen, an indicator, a voice, etc. At least one output interface (102) can include a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0105] The clothing treatment device (1) may include a drying device (80) for drying laundry accommodated inside the drum (30). The drying device (80) may be configured to heat air and supply it to the inside of the tub (20). The drying device (80) may be configured to dry and heat air discharged from the tub (20) and circulate the dried and heated air into the inside of the tub (20) to dry clothing inside the drum (30). The drying device (80) according to various embodiments may be arranged on top of the tub (20).

[0106] The drying device (80) may include a drying case (81). The drying case (81) may include a drying base (81a) and a drying cover (81b) that is coupled to the drying base (81a) to form a path through which air can move. The drying cover (81b) may cover the open upper surface of the drying base (81a).

[0107] Referring to FIG. 5, as an example, the drying device (80) may include a rear cover (81c) that can be coupled to the rear side of the drying base (81a). The rear cover (81c) may form at least a portion of the rear of the drying device (80). A water supply valve (41, 42) may be mounted on the rear cover (81c).

[0108] The drying device (80) may be provided in a heat pump manner. The drying device (80) may include a fan (87a), a compressor (91), a condenser (92), an evaporator (93), an expansion valve, and a refrigerant pipe (94) through which refrigerant circulates. The compressor (91), the condenser (92), the evaporator (93), and the expansion valve, which constitute the heat pump, may be arranged in a drying case (81). In addition, the drying device (80) may further include a cooling fan (91a) for cooling the compressor (91). For example, the drying device (80) may be formed as a single module.

[0109] The compressor (91), condenser (92), evaporator (93), expansion valve, and refrigerant pipe (94) through which refrigerant circulates of the drying device (80) may be referred to as a heat pump.

[0110] The heat pump can dry and / or heat the air supplied to the interior of the tub (20).

[0111] The fan (87a) can blow air into the interior of the tub (20).

[0112] That is, the heat pump can heat the air supplied to the interior of the tub (20) by the fan (87a).

[0113] The compressor (91) compresses the refrigerant, and the compressed high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant can move to the condenser (92). The condenser (92) can cool the refrigerant and heat the surrounding air. The heated air can be introduced into the drum (30) to dry clothes.

[0114] The refrigerant expanded through the expansion valve can absorb heat in the evaporator (93) and cool the surrounding air. That is, the evaporator (93) can cool the high-temperature, humid air that has passed through the inside of the drum (30) to remove moisture. The air from which moisture has been removed passes through the condenser (92) and can be heated again while exchanging heat with the refrigerant passing through the condenser (92). That is, the condenser (92) can heat the air that has passed through the evaporator (93). The condenser (92) and the evaporator (93) correspond to heat exchangers. The condenser (92) may be referred to as a 'first heat exchanger'. The evaporator (93) may be referred to as a 'second heat exchanger'.

[0115] For example, the drying device (80) may further include a drying heater (99). The drying heater (99) may increase the drying efficiency of the drying device (80). The heat pump components of the drying device (80) may also be replaced with the drying heater (99).

[0116] The drying heater (99) can heat the air flowing into the drying device (80). The drying heater (99) can be placed in the heating path (86). The drying heater (99) can be placed downstream from the condenser (92) along the air flow passing through the drying device (80). In addition, the drying heater (99) can be provided in a relatively small size so as to minimize the resistance of the path. For example, the drying heater (99) can be a sheath heater.

[0117] A drying device (80) according to various embodiments may be placed on the upper side of the tub (20). An inlet passage (85) through which air discharged from the tub (20) flows may be formed in the drying device (80). A heating passage (86) may be formed in the drying device (80) for heat exchange with air flowing into the drying device (80) through the inlet passage (85). A supply passage (87) may be formed in the drying device (80) for supplying air that has passed through the heating passage (86) and has undergone heat exchange to the tub (20).

[0118] An inlet passage (85) may be provided so that air passing through the interior of the tub (20) may be introduced into the drying device (80). The inlet passage (85) may be located on the upper side of the tub (20). The inlet passage (85) may be connected to an exhaust passage (P) formed at the rear of the tub (20).

[0119] The drying device (80) may include an inlet guide (84) connected to the tub (20). The inlet guide (84) may guide air discharged from the tub (20) to an inlet passage (85). The inlet passage (85) may be communicated with an exhaust passage (P) formed in the tub (20) through the inlet guide (84). Air passing through the exhaust passage (P) may be introduced into the inlet passage (85) of the drying device (80) through the inlet guide (84).

[0120] A filter (95) may be provided in the inlet passage (85) to filter out foreign substances such as lint contained in the air flowing in through the exhaust passage (P) from the tub (20). The air flowing in through the inlet passage (85) may pass through the filter (95) and then move to the heating passage (86). The filter (95) may be located on the passage through which the air flowing into the drying device (80) moves to the evaporator (93) and the condenser (92).

[0121] A heat exchanger (92, 93) may be arranged in the heating passage (86). The heat exchanger (92, 93) may include a condenser (92) and an evaporator (93). The air flowing into the heating passage (86) may be humid because it has passed through the interior of the tub (20). The humid air may be cooled in the evaporator (93) arranged in the heating passage (86) to remove moisture. The air from which moisture has been removed in the evaporator (93) may be reheated by passing through the condenser (92).

[0122] The drying device (80) may include a nozzle device (96) for cleaning the heat exchanger (92, 93). The nozzle device (96) may be provided in the heating passage (86). The nozzle device (96) may receive water from the water supply device (40) and spray water toward the heat exchanger (92, 93). The water sprayed from the nozzle device (96) may clean one side of the heat exchanger (92, 93).

[0123] Meanwhile, the clothing treatment device (1) may include a drain line (97) for guiding water discharged from the drying device (80) to the tub (20). The drain line (97) may be provided with a flexible hose, a plastic pipe, or a metal pipe. The drain line (97) may guide condensate generated in the heat exchanger (92, 93) of the drying device (80) to the outside of the drying device (80) (e.g., the tub (20)). The drain line (97) may guide water sprayed by the nozzle device (96) for cleaning the heat exchanger (92, 93) to the outside of the drying device (80) (e.g., the tub (20)).

[0124] The nozzle device (96) may be configured to clean the heat exchanger (92, 93). The nozzle device (96) may be configured to clean the air-inlet portion of the heat exchanger (92, 93). The nozzle device (96) may be configured to clean at least a portion of the evaporator (93). The nozzle device (96) may be configured to clean a portion of the evaporator (93) into which air passing through the filter (95) is introduced. The nozzle device (96) may be configured to clean a portion of the evaporator (93) that is contaminated by air passing through the evaporator (93) and exchanging heat with the evaporator (93). The nozzle device (96) may be positioned adjacent to the air-inlet portion of the evaporator (93).

[0125] The drain line (97) can be connected to the drain device (70). The drain line (97) can be connected to the drain pump (71). Water discharged from the drying device (80) can flow to the drain device (70) along the drain line (97). Water flowing into the drain device (70) through the drain line (97) can be guided to the tub (20). Condensed water flowing into the tub (20) can be discharged to the outside of the clothing treatment device (1) by the operation of the drain pump (71).

[0126] The supply path (87) may be arranged to supply heated air back into the interior of the tub (20) by passing through the condenser (92). The supply path (87) may be connected to the heating path (86) and may extend downward to discharge heated air toward the opening of the tub (20).

[0127] A fan (87a) may be provided in the supply path (87) to cause air to flow into the interior of the tub (20). That is, the fan (87a) may be provided to supply air to the laundry inside the drum (30). For example, the fan (87a) may include a sirocco fan.

[0128] The inlet path (85), the heating path (86), and the supply path (87) can circulate air into the interior of the tub (20) and the drying device (80).

[0129] The clothing treatment device (1) may be arranged so that air discharged from the tub (20) sequentially passes through the inlet path (85), heating path (86), and supply path (87) of the drying device (80) located on the upper side of the tub (20), and then is supplied to the interior of the tub (20).

[0130] Heated air from the drying device (80) can be supplied into the interior of the drum (30). In order to secure an area where the heated air supplied into the interior of the drum (30) comes into contact with the laundry, the tub exhaust port (27) may be provided at a position opposite to the air inlet (26) through which the heated air from the drying device (80) is supplied to the tub (20). In order to increase the distance and / or time that the heated air flows inside the drum (30) so that it can come into more contact with the laundry, the tub exhaust port (27) may be provided at a position opposite to the air inlet (26) through which the heated air from the drying device (80) is supplied to the tub (20). The supply path (87) for supplying the heated air into the interior of the drum (30) and the tub exhaust port (27) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other. By increasing the area where the heated air comes into contact with the laundry, the drying efficiency can be improved.

[0131] The air inlet (26) and the tub exhaust port (27) can be positioned to maximize the use of heated air provided from the drying device (80). For example, the air inlet (26) can be positioned adjacent to the front of the tub (20), and the tub exhaust port (27) can be positioned adjacent to the rear of the tub (20).

[0132] Referring to FIG. 3, a washing machine according to one embodiment may include a diaphragm (22) connecting a tub opening (21) of a tub (20) and a laundry inlet (11) of a housing (10). The diaphragm (22) may connect the laundry inlet (11) and the tub opening (21). The diaphragm (22) may prevent laundry inserted into the laundry inlet (11) from falling between the housing (10) and the tub (20), and may function to connect the front end of the tub (20) and the housing (10) regardless of vibrations generated during the washing process. For this purpose, the diaphragm (22) may be formed of an elastic material. For example, the diaphragm (22) may include a plastic material such as rubber or TPE (Thermo Plastic Elastomer).

[0133] In a washing machine according to one embodiment, the diaphragm (22) may include a duct portion (22a) that is provided to be connected to a supply duct (87b) forming a supply path (87). The duct portion (22a) may extend upward from a side surface of the diaphragm (22) having a cylindrical shape with both sides open. A path may be formed inside the duct portion (22a) to allow air to flow. The duct portion (22a) may be formed adjacent to the upper end of the diaphragm (22). The duct portion (22a) may be formed integrally with the diaphragm (22) and may have the same material. Alternatively, the duct portion (22a) may be provided separately from the diaphragm (22) and coupled to the diaphragm (22). Additionally, the duct portion (22a) may be provided separately from the diaphragm (22) and the tub (20) and may be coupled to the tub (20). The duct portion (22a) may also be formed integrally with the tub (20). An air inlet (26) may be formed at one end of the duct portion (22a).

[0134] The clothing treatment device (1) according to various embodiments may further include an exhaust path (P) for moving air discharged from the inside of the tub (20) to the drying device (80). The exhaust path (P) may be provided so that air discharged from the tub exhaust port (27) flows to the inlet path (85) of the drying device (80). The exhaust path (P) may be provided so as to discharge moist air that has passed through the tub (20). For example, the exhaust path (P) may be provided at the rear of the tub (20).

[0135] The air inside the tub (20) can be discharged to the tub duct (28) through the tub exhaust port (27) formed at the rear of the tub (20). The air discharged to the tub duct (28) can flow along the exhaust path (P) and be supplied to the drying device (80).

[0136] The garment treatment device (1) according to various embodiments may include a tub duct (28) for forming at least a portion of an exhaust path (P). For example, the tub duct (28) may be formed integrally with the tub (20). For example, the tub (20) may include the tub duct (28). The tub duct (28) may be provided to surround the tub exhaust port (27).

[0137] The garment treatment device (1) according to various embodiments may include a duct cover (29) for forming at least a portion of an exhaust path (P). The duct cover (29) may be provided to cover an open rear surface of a tub duct (28). For example, the tub (20) may include the duct cover (29). The duct cover (29) may form at least a portion of an exhaust path (P) through which air discharged through the tub exhaust port (27) flows to the drying device (80).

[0138] According to various embodiments, a clothing treatment device (1) can form an exhaust path (P) by combining a duct cover (29) with a tub duct (28).

[0139] According to one embodiment, a tub duct (28) may include a recessed portion (28a) that forms a portion of an exhaust path (P) through which air discharged from the inside of the tub (20) flows. A reinforcing rib (23) for reinforcing the rigidity of the tub (20) may be provided on the back surface of the tub (20), and the recessed portion (28a) may be provided as a portion that is recessed from an end of the reinforcing rib (23) protruding from the back surface of the tub (20). The recessed portion (28a) may be provided as a portion of the back surface of the tub (20) where the reinforcing rib (23) is not formed. A tub exhaust port (27) for discharging air from the inside of the tub (20) may be formed in the recessed portion (28a). The tub duct (28) may include a partition rib (28d) provided along the periphery of the recessed portion (28a). The partition rib (28d) can separate the area where the reinforcing rib (23) is formed and the area where the recessed portion (28a) is formed on the back surface of the tub (20).

[0140] According to one embodiment, the tub (20) may include a duct connection portion (28b) that forms another portion of the exhaust path (P) through which air passing through the recess portion (28a) flows. The duct connection portion (28b) may protrude radially outward from the outer surface of the tub (20). The duct connection portion (28b) may protrude approximately upward from the outer surface of the tub (20). For example, the duct connection portion (28b) may protrude upward from the rear end of the tub (20). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the duct connection portion (28b) may be positioned in various ways depending on the position of the drying device (80).

[0141] The duct connection portion (28b) can connect the inlet guide (84) of the drying device (80) and the tub duct (28). The duct connection portion (28b) can extend the exhaust passage (P) upward. The duct connection portion (28b) can form a portion of the exhaust passage (P) together with the recess portion (28a), the partition rib (28d), and the duct cover (29).

[0142] The duct connection portion (28b) may be formed into a rectangular parallelepiped shape with open upper and rear surfaces. The duct cover (29) may cover the open rear surface of the duct connection portion (28b). The duct cover (29) may be formed to only form one side of the exhaust passage, thereby facilitating the connection and sealing structure.

[0143] The duct cover (29) can cover the tub duct (28) and the duct connection portion (28b). The duct cover (29) can cover an open side of the tub duct (28) and an open rear side of the duct connection portion (28b). An exhaust path (P) can be formed by the duct cover (29) covering the recessed portion (28a) and the duct connection portion (28b). Since the exhaust path (P) is connected to the inlet path (85), air introduced into the exhaust path (P) through the tub exhaust port (27) can move along the exhaust path (P) and be introduced into the drying device (80) through the inlet path (85).

[0144] Although not shown in the drawing, the duct connection portion (28b) may be provided in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped with only the upper surface through which air is discharged open and the rear surface not open. In this case, the duct cover (29) may only cover the tub duct (28).

[0145] Meanwhile, the duct connection portion (28b) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided in a configuration included in the tub duct (28). The duct connection portion (28b) of the tub duct (28) according to one embodiment may extend from the recess portion (28a) to the inflow guide (84). The tub duct (28) may be connected to the inflow guide (84) by the duct connection portion (28b). Hereinafter, the duct connection portion (28b) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be described in a configuration included in the tub duct (28).

[0146] The tub duct (28) may include a step portion (28c) for expanding the cross-sectional area of ​​the exhaust passage (P). The exhaust passage (P) may be provided so that the width of the portion formed by the duct connection portion (28b) is larger than the width of the portion formed in the recess portion (28a) by the step portion (28c).

[0147] The water supply valves (41, 42) of the clothing treatment device (1) can be positioned by utilizing the space left by this mounting structure. In one embodiment, the water supply valves (41, 42) can be mounted between the inlet guide (84) and the cooling fan (91a). The water supply valves (41, 42) can be located at the center of the rear of the drying device (80). The water supply valves (41, 42) can be located at the rear of the condenser (92). The water supply valves (41, 42) can be located in an area separated from the flow path through which drying air flows. The positions of the water supply valves (41, 42) are not limited to those exemplified.

[0148] The clothing treatment device (1) may include a washing water heater (24). The washing water heater (24) is provided at the lower side of the tub (20) and can heat the washing water during washing. In addition, the water supply device (40) can supply a certain amount of water to the lower side of the tub (20) through the exhaust passage (P) during the drying cycle, and the washing water heater (24) can heat the water supplied into the interior of the tub (20) through the water supply device (40), the exhaust passage (P), and the tub exhaust port (27) to generate steam. That is, the steam generated by the water supply device (40) and the washing water heater (24) can come into contact with the clothing during the drying cycle, thereby preventing wrinkles from forming on the clothing as much as possible.

[0149] The clothing treatment device (1) is a washing / drying combined washing machine, and unlike a conventional dryer, may include a washing water heater (24) for heating washing water, and by utilizing the washing water heater (24) and a water supply device (40) for cleaning the exhaust duct (P), steam can be generated to prevent wrinkles from forming on clothing during the drying cycle.

[0150] FIG. 6 illustrates a tub of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0151] Referring to FIG. 6, a clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment may include a temperature sensor (160) that measures the temperature of water stored in a tub (20).

[0152] The temperature sensor (160) can be provided at a predetermined height (h) from the bottom of the tub (20).

[0153] The temperature sensor (160) being installed at a predetermined height (h) from the bottom surface of the tub (20) may include being installed above the bottom surface of the tub (20).

[0154] What is provided at a predetermined height (h) from the bottom of the tub (20) may include what is provided above the washing water heater (24). The predetermined height (h) may be set to approximately 30 centimeters (cm), but is not limited thereto, and may be changed according to the design specifications of the manufacturer of the clothing treatment device (1).

[0155] When the tub (20) is formed in a cylindrical shape, the bottom surface of the tub (20) may mean a plane passing through the lowest point of the cylinder.

[0156] The temperature sensor (160) can measure the temperature of water heated by the washing water heater (24).

[0157] For example, when water is supplied to the tub (20) by the water supply (1012) of the washing cycle (1010) and / or the water supply (1021) of the rinsing cycle (1020) to be described later, water fills up the tub (20), and the temperature sensor (160) can come into contact with the water stored in the tub (20) and measure the temperature of the water stored in the tub (20).

[0158] The temperature sensor (160) can measure the temperature of the air inside the tub (20). For example, when hot air is supplied into the tub (20) by the drying device (80) during the drying process (1040) described below, the temperature sensor (160) can measure the temperature of the air that is heated by the drying device (80) and flows inside the tub (20).

[0159] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of configurations of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0160] Referring to FIG. 7, the garment treatment device (1) may include a control unit (300). The control unit (300) may be electrically connected to various components and / or devices of the garment treatment device (1) and may control various components and / or devices. For example, the control unit (300) may control the driving device (36), the first water supply valve (41), the second water supply valve (42), the drain pump (71), the circulation pump (76), and the drying device (80). In addition, the control unit (300) may be electrically connected to a control panel (100), a communication interface (150), a temperature sensor (160), and a water level sensor (200). The control unit (300) may control the control panel (100), the communication interface (150), the temperature sensor (160), and the water level sensor (200).

[0161] The control unit (300) may include a processor (310) and a memory (320). The memory (320) may include volatile memory (e.g., S-RAM, D-RAM) and non-volatile memory (e.g., ROM, EPROM). The processor (310) and the memory (320) may be implemented as separate chips or as a single chip. In addition, multiple processors and multiple memories may be provided. The processor (310) may process various data and various signals using instructions, data, programs, and / or software stored in the memory (320). The processor (310) may include one core or multiple cores. The processor (310) may generate control signals for controlling components of the garment treatment device (1).

[0162] The memory (320) can store various data and various values ​​(e.g., minimum water level, drain water level, predetermined time, reference value, reference time, etc.) for the operation of the control unit (300) to be described later.

[0163] The control panel (100) can obtain various user inputs and output various information regarding the operation of the garment treatment device (1). The control panel (100) can include an input interface (101) and an output interface (102).

[0164] The control unit (300) can control the operation of the garment treatment device (1) based on user input obtained through the control panel (100). For example, the control unit (300) can turn the garment treatment device (1) on or off based on user input for turning the garment treatment device (1) on or off. The control unit (300) can determine the operation course of the garment treatment device (1) based on user input for setting the operation course of the garment treatment device (1).

[0165] The control unit (300) of the garment treatment device (1) can determine the operation course of the garment treatment device (1) based on user input obtained through the control panel (100) or a user device. The operation course of the garment treatment device (1) can be provided in various ways. For example, the operation course of the garment treatment device (1) can be broadly classified into a washing course, a drying course, and a heat exchanger cleaning course.

[0166] Washing cycles may vary depending on the type of laundry (e.g., clothing, blankets, underwear, etc.) and material (e.g., cotton, wool, nylon, etc.). For example, a washing cycle may include at least one of a standard washing cycle, a heavy-duty washing cycle, a delicates cycle, a blanket cycle, a baby clothes cycle, a towel cycle, a boiling cycle, and an outdoor clothing cycle. Each of the multiple washing cycles may include different washing settings (e.g., washing temperature, number of rinse cycles, spin strength, etc.).

[0167] When one of multiple washing courses is selected via the control panel (100) or an external user device, the control unit (300) can control the garment treatment device (1) to perform washing, rinsing, and dehydration processes corresponding to the selected washing course. Furthermore, the washing course may include a rinse-dehydration course, a rinse course, and a dehydration course. The washing courses are not limited to those exemplified.

[0168] Drying cycles may also vary depending on the type of object being dried (e.g., clothing, blankets, underwear, etc.) and material (e.g., cotton, wool, nylon, etc.). For example, a drying cycle may include at least one of standard drying, strong drying, delicate drying, blanket drying, baby clothes drying, towel drying, and outdoor clothing drying. Each of the multiple drying cycles may include different drying settings (e.g., drying temperature, drying time, etc.).

[0169] When one of a plurality of drying courses is selected through the control panel (100) or an external user device, the control unit (300) can control the clothing treatment device (1) to perform a drying process corresponding to the selected drying process. The drying process is not limited to the examples. To perform the drying process corresponding to the drying process, the control unit (300) can operate the drying device (80). That is, the control unit (300) can operate the fan (87a) and the compressor (91) to dry the drying object within the drum (30). In addition, the control unit (300) can further operate the drying heater (99) to perform the drying process.

[0170] When a washing course corresponding to the type and material of laundry is selected, the control unit (300) can automatically select or recommend a drying course corresponding to the selected washing course. Conversely, when a drying course corresponding to the type and material of the object to be dried is selected, the control unit (300) can automatically select or recommend a washing course corresponding to the selected drying course. The control unit (300) can memorize the washing and drying courses selected by the user, and can provide a washing and drying course that integrates the memorized washing and drying courses through the control panel (100) upon the next operation.

[0171] The control unit (300) can control the control panel (100) to output various information regarding the operation of the garment treatment device (1). For example, the control panel (100) can visually and / or audibly output information regarding the operation course, operation time, washing settings, rinsing settings, spin-drying settings, and / or drying settings of the garment treatment device (1). In addition, the control panel (100) can output information regarding abnormal conditions of the garment treatment device (1).

[0172] The communication interface (150) may include various communication circuits for performing wired and / or wireless communication with external devices (e.g., servers, user devices, and / or other home appliances). The user devices may include various electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, notebooks, smartwatches, stationary tablets, and speakers. User input may be obtained through the user devices as well as the control panel (100).

[0173] The communication interface (150) may include at least one of a short-range communication circuit and a long-range communication circuit. The communication interface (150) may transmit data to an external device or receive data from an external device. For example, the communication interface (150) may support cellular communication, wireless local area network (WLAN), home radio frequency (RF), infrared communication, ultra-wide band (UWB) communication, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi direct, Bluetooth, AD-HOC, and / or Zigbee. The communication technologies supported by the communication interface (150) are not limited to those exemplified.

[0174] The communication interface (150) can also communicate with external devices via an access point (AP). The access point can connect the local area network (LAN) to which the garment treatment device (1) is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The garment treatment device (1) can be connected to the server via the wide area network (WAN).

[0175] The garment treatment device (1) can be connected to other home appliances and / or electronic devices via a communication interface (150). The garment treatment device (1) can transmit information related to the operation of the garment treatment device (1) (e.g., information related to a washing cycle and / or a drying cycle) to the other home appliances and / or electronic devices. Selection of a washing cycle and / or a drying cycle can be performed not only on the control panel (100) but also on other home appliances and / or electronic devices. In addition, information regarding the garment treatment device (1) can also be displayed not only on the control panel (100) but also on other home appliances and / or electronic devices.

[0176] The temperature sensor (160) can measure the temperature of the air inside the tub (20) and / or the temperature of the water stored inside the tub (20). The temperature data measured by the temperature sensor (160) can be transmitted to the control unit (300). The control unit (300) can determine the temperature inside the tub (20) based on the temperature data transmitted from the temperature sensor (160). Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the temperature inside the tub (20) and / or the temperature data determined based on the temperature data transmitted from the temperature sensor (160) are defined as the temperature measured by the temperature sensor (160).

[0177] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) may control the washing water heater (24) based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor (160) when performing the washing cycle (1010) and / or the rinsing cycle (1020).

[0178] The target water temperature in the washing cycle (1010) and / or the rinsing cycle (1020) may be set by the user through at least one input interface (101) or may be preset to correspond to a course selected by the user.

[0179] The control unit (300) can control the washing water heater (24) so ​​that the temperature measured by the temperature sensor (160) during the washing cycle (1010) and / or the rinsing cycle (1020) reaches the target water temperature.

[0180] That is, the temperature sensor (160) can be used to measure the temperature of water stored in the tub (20) during the washing cycle (1010) and / or the rinsing cycle (1020).

[0181] Meanwhile, the clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may also use a temperature sensor (160) to measure the dryness of laundry.

[0182] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) may operate the drain pump (71) based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor (160) when performing the drying cycle (1040). In one embodiment, the control unit (300) may determine the end point of the drying cycle (1040) based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor (160) when performing the drying cycle (1040). The operation of the control unit (300) operating the drain pump (71) based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor (160) and the operation of determining the end point of the drying cycle (1040) based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor (160) are described below with reference to FIG. 10.

[0183] The water level sensor (200) can measure the water level of the tub (20). The water level sensor (200) can transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the water level in the tub (20) to the control unit (300). The control unit (300) can determine the water level in the tub (20) based on the signal transmitted from the water level sensor (200). The control unit (300) can determine the water level in the tub (20) based on the frequency value of the signal transmitted from the water level sensor (200). Hereinafter, for the convenience of explanation, the water level and / or frequency value in the tub (20) determined based on the electrical signal transmitted from the water level sensor (200) is defined as the water level measured by the water level sensor (200).

[0184] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) can control the water supply device (40) based on the water level measured by the water level sensor (200) when performing the washing cycle (1010) and / or the rinsing cycle (1020).

[0185] The target water level in the washing cycle (1010) and / or the rinsing cycle (1020) may be set by the user via at least one input interface (101) or may be preset to correspond to a course selected by the user.

[0186] The control unit (300) can control the water supply device (40) so that the water level measured by the water level sensor (200) reaches the target water level during the washing cycle (1010) and / or the rinsing cycle (1020).

[0187] That is, the water level sensor (200) can be used to measure the water level supplied to the tub (20) during the washing cycle (1010) and / or the rinsing cycle (1020).

[0188] Meanwhile, the clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may also use a water level sensor (200) to measure the dryness of laundry.

[0189] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) may operate the drain pump (71) based on the water level measured by the water level sensor (200) when performing the drying cycle (1040). In one embodiment, the control unit (300) may determine the end time of the drying cycle (1040) based on the water level measured by the water level sensor (200) when performing the drying cycle (1040). The operation of the control unit (300) operating the drain pump (71) based on the water level measured by the water level sensor (200) and the operation of determining the end time of the drying cycle (1040) based on the water level measured by the water level sensor (200) will be described below with reference to FIG. 9.

[0190] The driving device (36) can rotate the drum (30) under the control of the control unit (300). The driving device (36) can include a driving motor (36a). The control unit (300) can control the driving motor (36a) to adjust the rotation speed of the drum (30).

[0191] In the present disclosure, the control unit (300) controlling the drum (30) may include the control unit (300) controlling the drive motor (36a).

[0192] The water supply device (40) of the clothing treatment device (1) may include a first water supply valve (41) and a second water supply valve (42). The water supply device (40) may be connected to an external water source. The first water supply valve (41) and the second water supply valve (42) may be connected to the external water source. As described above, the first water supply valve (41) may correspond to a hot water valve. The second water supply valve (42) may correspond to a cold water valve.

[0193] The control unit (300) can control the water supply device (40). The control unit (300) can control the opening and closing of each of the first water supply valve (41) and the second water supply valve (42). The control unit (300) can adjust the opening degree of each of the first water supply valve (41) and the second water supply valve (42). The first water supply valve (41) can open or close the first water supply pipe (43) based on an electrical signal transmitted from the control unit (300).

[0194] The second water supply valve (42) can selectively supply water to the upper detergent supply device (50), the nozzle device (96), and the tub (20). As described above, the second water supply pipe (44) can include a first pipe (441), a second pipe (442), and a third pipe (443). The second water supply valve (42) can be connected to the first pipe (441), the second pipe (442), and the third pipe (443). The first pipe (441), the second pipe (442), and the third pipe (443) can be referred to as a first water supply path, a second water supply path, and a third water supply path, respectively. For convenience of explanation, the second water supply valve (42) can be referred to as a 'water supply valve'.

[0195] The control unit (300) can control the water supply device (40) to supply water to at least one of the upper detergent supply device (50), the nozzle device (96), or the tub (20) to perform at least one of the washing cycle (1010 of FIG. 8), the rinsing cycle (1020 of FIG. 8), the dehydration cycle (1030 of FIG. 8), or the drying cycle (1040 of FIG. 8). The water supply device (40) can open or close at least one of the first water supply path, the second water supply path, and the third water supply path based on an electrical signal transmitted from the control unit (300). That is, the control unit (300) can control the water supply device (40) to supply water to the upper detergent supply device (50) through the first pipe (441). The control unit (300) can control the water supply device (40) to supply water to the nozzle device (96) through the second pipe (442). The control unit (300) can control the water supply device (40) to supply water to the tub (20) through the third pipe (443).

[0196] The second water supply valve (42) may include a first valve (42a), a second valve (42b), and a third valve (43c). The control unit (300) may control the opening and closing of each of the first valve (42a), the second valve (42b), and the third valve (43c). The control unit (300) may adjust the opening of each of the first valve (42a), the second valve (42b), and the third valve (43c). When the first valve (42a) is opened, water may be supplied to the upper detergent supply device (50) through the first pipe (441). When the second valve (42b) is opened, water may be supplied to the nozzle device (96) through the second pipe (442). When the third valve (42c) is opened, water may be supplied to the tub (20) through the third pipe (443).

[0197] The water supply valve (42) may be provided as a four-way valve. When the water supply valve (42) is provided as a four-way valve, a piston assembly provided within the water supply valve (42) may move under the control of the control unit (300). As the piston assembly of the water supply valve (42) moves, water may flow through each of the first pipe (441), the second pipe (442), and the third pipe (443), or the flow of water through each of the first pipe (441), the second pipe (442), and the third pipe (443) may be blocked.

[0198] The drain pump (71) can discharge water inside the tub (20) to the outside of the housing (10). The control unit (300) can control the drain pump (71) so that the water inside the tub (20) is discharged to the outside through the drain pipe (73).

[0199] The circulation pump (76) can send water inside the tub (20) to the lower detergent supply device (60). Water that has passed through the circulation pump (76) and the lower detergent supply device (60) can return to the tub (20). The control unit (300) can control the circulation pump (76) so that the water inside the tub (20) circulates through the lower detergent supply device (60).

[0200] The drying device (80) can remove moisture contained in the air, heat the air, and supply the heated air to the tub (20). The control unit (300) can operate the drying device (80) to dry laundry located inside the drum (30). To generate dried and heated air, the drying device (80) can include a fan (87a), a compressor (91), a heat exchanger (92, 93), and an expansion valve.

[0201] The control unit (300) can control the fan (87a), compressor (91), and expansion valve included in the drying device (80). The control unit (300) can operate the fan (87a) so that dried and heated air is supplied into the drum (30). The control unit (300) can adjust the rotation speed of the fan (87a). The flow rate of the air supplied into the drum (30) can vary depending on the rotation speed of the fan (87a).

[0202] The compressor (91) compresses low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant and discharges it as high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. For example, the compressor (91) can compress the refrigerant through the reciprocating motion of a piston or the rotary motion of a rotor. The discharged gaseous refrigerant can be delivered to the condenser (92). The control unit (300) can adjust the operating frequency and / or rotational speed (RPM) of the compressor (91). As the operating frequency and / or rotational speed (RPM) of the compressor (91) increases, the heat released around the condenser (92) can increase. The control unit (300) can adjust the opening of the expansion valve. The expansion valve can be provided as a capillary tube for controlling the pressure of the liquid refrigerant and an electronic expansion valve whose opening can be controlled by an electric signal. The low-temperature and low-pressure two-phase refrigerant that has passed through the expansion valve is introduced into the evaporator (93).

[0203] The control unit (300) can control the water supply device (40) to clean the heat exchanger (92, 93) of the drying device (80). The control unit (300) can control the second water supply valve (42) to spray water from the nozzle device (96) to the heat exchanger (92, 93). For example, when the second valve (42b) constituting the second water supply valve (42) is opened, water can be sprayed from the nozzle device (96) to the heat exchanger (92, 93).

[0204] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operations performed by a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0205] Referring to FIG. 8, the clothing treatment device (1) can perform at least one of a washing cycle (1010), a rinsing cycle (1020), a dehydration cycle (1030), and a drying cycle (1040) based on an operation course selected by a user. For example, the operation course of the clothing treatment device (1) can be determined as a standard washing cycle and a standard drying cycle. The standard washing cycle can include a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a dehydration cycle. The standard drying cycle can include a drying cycle. The clothing treatment device (1) can sequentially perform the washing cycle (1010), the rinsing cycle (1020), the dehydration cycle (1030), and the drying cycle (1040).

[0206] The clothing treatment device (1) may selectively perform at least one of the washing cycle (1010), the rinsing cycle (1020), the dehydration cycle (1030), and the drying cycle (1040) depending on the operation course. For example, the clothing treatment device (1) may perform the rinsing cycle (1020) and the dehydration cycle (1030) in response to selection of the rinse-dehydration course. The clothing treatment device (1) may perform the dehydration cycle (1030) in response to selection of the dehydration course. The clothing treatment device (1) may also perform only the drying cycle (1040) in response to selection of the standard drying course.

[0207] Laundry can be washed by the washing cycle (1010) performed by the clothing treatment device (1). Specifically, foreign substances attached to the laundry can be separated by the chemical action of the detergent and / or mechanical action such as dropping.

[0208] The washing process (1010) may include a laundry measurement (1011) for measuring the amount of laundry, a water supply (1012) for supplying water to the tub (20), a washing (1013) for washing laundry by rotating the drum (30) at low speed, a drain (1014) for discharging water contained in the tub (20), and an intermediate spin-drying (1015) for separating water from laundry by rotating the drum (30) at high speed.

[0209] For washing (1013), the control unit (300) can control the driving device (36) to rotate the driving motor (36a) in a forward direction (e.g., clockwise) or reverse direction (e.g., counterclockwise). By the rotation of the drum (30), laundry falls from the upper side to the lower side of the drum (30), and the laundry can be washed by the falling.

[0210] For intermediate dehydration (1015), the control unit (300) can control the driving device (36) to rotate the driving motor (36a) at high speed. By the high-speed rotation of the drum (30), water can be separated from the laundry contained in the drum (30) and discharged to the outside of the clothing treatment device (1).

[0211] By the rinsing cycle (1020) performed by the clothing treatment device (1), laundry can be rinsed. Specifically, detergent or foreign substances left on the laundry can be washed away by water.

[0212] The rinsing cycle (1020) may include a water supply (1021) that supplies water to the tub (20), a rinse (1022) that drives the drum (30) to rinse laundry, a drain (1023) that discharges water contained in the tub (20), and an intermediate spin-drying (1024) that drives the drum (30) to separate water from laundry.

[0213] The water supply (1021), drainage (1023), and intermediate spin-drying (1024) of the rinsing cycle (1020) may be the same as the water supply (1012), drainage (1014), and intermediate spin-drying (1015) of the washing cycle (1010), respectively. During the rinsing cycle (1020), the water supply (1021), rinsing (1022), drainage (1023), and intermediate spin-drying (1024) may be performed once or multiple times.

[0214] Laundry can be dehydrated by the dehydration cycle (1030) performed by the clothing treatment device (1). Specifically, water is separated from the laundry by the high-speed rotation of the drum (30), and the separated water can be discharged to the outside of the clothing treatment device (1).

[0215] The dehydration cycle (1030) may include a final dehydration cycle (1031) that separates water from laundry by rotating the drum (30) at high speed. Due to the final dehydration cycle (1031), the last intermediate dehydration cycle (1024) of the rinsing cycle (1020) may be omitted.

[0216] For the final dehydration process (1031), the control unit (300) can control the driving device (36) to rotate the driving motor (36a) at high speed. By the high-speed rotation of the drum (30), water can be separated from the laundry contained in the drum (30) and discharged to the outside of the clothing treatment device (1). In addition, the rotation speed of the driving motor (36a) can be increased stepwise.

[0217] The control unit (300) can stop the drum (30) after rotating it at a preset maximum speed for a preset time based on the start of the final dehydration cycle (1031).

[0218] In one embodiment, the final dehydration cycle (1031) may include a low-speed dehydration section in which the drum (30) rotates at a preset intermediate speed (e.g., 500 RPM) lower than a preset maximum speed (e.g., 1100 RPM), and a high-speed dehydration section in which the drum (30) rotates at a preset maximum speed.

[0219] In the low-speed dehydration section, the drum (30) can be accelerated to a preset intermediate speed, maintained at the preset intermediate speed for a predetermined first time, and then decelerated.

[0220] In the high-speed dehydration section, the drum (30) may be accelerated to a preset maximum speed, maintained at the preset maximum speed for a predetermined second time, and then decelerated. In this case, the predetermined second time may be longer than the predetermined first time.

[0221] The control unit (300) can accelerate the drum (30) to a preset intermediate speed based on the start of the final dehydration cycle (1031), maintain the rotation of the drum (30) at the preset intermediate speed for a predetermined first time, then decelerate the drum (30), accelerate the drum (30) to a preset maximum speed, maintain the rotation of the drum (30) at the preset maximum speed for a predetermined second time, and then stop the drum (30) after rotating for a predetermined time.

[0222] The preset medium speed, preset maximum speed, predetermined first time, and predetermined second time may be changed depending on the weight of the laundry measured in the laundry measurement (1011) step, the quality of the laundry, the type of course selected by the user, and / or the spin-drying setting selected by the user.

[0223] The low-speed spin cycle may be omitted depending on the weight of the laundry measured in the laundry measurement (1011) step and / or the type of course selected by the user.

[0224] The final dehydration cycle (1031) may be terminated in response to the drum (30) being stopped after the high-speed dehydration section.

[0225] When the dehydration process (1030) is completed, the drying process (1040) can be performed by the clothing treatment device (1). To perform the drying process (1040), the control unit (300) can operate the drying device (80) so that hot air is supplied into the tub (20) and the drum (30). In addition, the control unit (300) can rotate the drum (30) at a relatively low speed. The control unit (300) can supply hot air into the tub (20) and the drum (30) by operating the drying device (80).

[0226] Immediately after entering the drying cycle (1040) or before the drying cycle (1040) begins, water may be supplied to the upper detergent supply device (50) for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 1 second) to prevent moisture leakage within the tub (20). As described above, the detergent connection pipe (51) connecting the tub (20) and the upper detergent supply device (50) is provided in a U shape, and when water is supplied to the upper detergent supply device (50), the bent portion of the detergent connection pipe (51) can be filled with water. If the detergent connection pipe (51) is clogged with water, moisture within the tub (20) can be prevented from being discharged to the outside through the upper detergent supply device (50).

[0227] During the drying process (1040), moist air inside the tub (20) is introduced into the heat exchanger (92, 93) through the paths (P, 85, 86, 87), and the moisture is removed in the heat exchanger (92, 93) and the heated air can be introduced back into the tub (20).

[0228] Meanwhile, condensate may be generated in the heat exchanger (92, 93). The drain line (97) may guide the condensate generated in the heat exchanger (92, 93) of the drying device (80) to the outside of the drying device (80). In one embodiment, the drain line (97) may guide the condensate generated in the heat exchanger (92, 93) of the drying device (80) to the tub (20).

[0229] As a result, during the drying process (1040), the condensate in the heat exchanger (92, 93) is guided to the tub (20), so that the water level in the tub (20) increases during the drying process (1040).

[0230] Meanwhile, as the dryness of the laundry increases during the drying cycle (1040) and the air inside the tub (20) becomes dry, the speed at which condensate is generated in the heat exchanger (92, 93) also slows down, and accordingly, the water level in the tub (20) increases relatively slowly.

[0231] Meanwhile, if the laundry is sufficiently dried during the drying cycle (1040) and the air inside the tub (20) is sufficiently dried, no condensate is generated in the heat exchanger (92, 93), and accordingly, the water level in the tub (20) does not increase.

[0232] When the drying process (1040) is completed, the operation of the clothing treatment device (1) stops and the power can be turned off.

[0233] The drying process (1040) can be performed for an operation time set by the user and / or for a time corresponding to a course selected by the user.

[0234] In one embodiment, the drying cycle (1040) may be terminated when it is determined that the laundry contained in the drum (30) is completely dry.

[0235] For example, if the user sets the operating time of the drying cycle (1040) to 'automatic', and the course selected by the user is a course in which the operating time of the drying cycle (1040) can vary depending on the condition of the laundry (e.g., dryness), such as an 'artificial intelligence course', the clothing treatment device (1) can end the drying cycle (1040) when it is determined that the laundry contained in the drum (30) is sufficiently dried.

[0236] For this purpose, the clothing treatment device (1) needs to identify the dryness level of the laundry contained in the drum (30).

[0237] In the present disclosure, determining the end point of the drying cycle (1040) may include identifying the dryness level of laundry received in the drum (30).

[0238] In one embodiment, the garment treatment device (1) can determine the end point of the drying cycle (1040) based on the water level of the tub (20) measured by the water level sensor (200).

[0239] In one embodiment, the garment treatment device (1) can determine the end point of the drying cycle (1040) based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor (160).

[0240] According to various embodiments, the garment treatment device (1) can determine the end point of the drying cycle (1040) based on the water level of the tub (20) measured by the water level sensor (200) and / or the temperature measured by the temperature sensor (160).

[0241] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for controlling a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0242] Referring to Fig. 9, the clothing treatment device (1) can start the drying cycle (1040) (1100).

[0243] The control unit (300) can perform the drying process (1040) by controlling the driving device (36) to rotate the drum (30) at a predetermined speed and controlling the drying device (80) to supply hot air into the interior of the tub (20).

[0244] The control unit (300) can control the drying device (80) to supply hot air into the interior of the tub (20) during the drying process (1040).

[0245] Controlling the drying device (80) to supply hot air into the interior of the tub (20) may include driving a fan (87a) and a compressor (91).

[0246] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) may control the water supply unit (40) to clean the heat exchanger (92, 93) of the drying device (80) during the drying cycle (1040) or to cause the water level of the tub (20) to reach the minimum water level (Hmin).

[0247] The control unit (300) can stop the operation of the fan (87a) and the compressor (91) when driving the water supply device (40).

[0248] The control unit (300) can resume operation of the fan (87a) and the compressor (91) based on the stoppage of operation of the water supply device (40).

[0249] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) may determine the end point of the drying process (1040) based on the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 9 depending on whether the water level sensor (200) is broken, or may determine the end point of the drying process (1040) based on the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0250] However, according to various embodiments, the control unit (300) may determine the end point of the drying process (1040) based on the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 10 even if the water level sensor (200) is not broken.

[0251] In addition, according to various embodiments, in the case of a clothing treatment device (1) that is not provided with a water level sensor (200), the end point of the drying cycle (1040) can be determined based on the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0252] The control unit (300) can identify whether the water level sensor (200) is faulty in various ways (1200). If the water level sensor (200) is faulty, the control unit (300) can determine that the water level sensor (200) is faulty. If the water level sensor (200) is not faulty, the control unit (300) can determine that the water level sensor (200) is not faulty.

[0253] For example, the control unit (300) can identify whether the water level sensor (200) is broken during the water supply (1012, 1021) of the washing cycle (1010) and / or the rinsing cycle (1020).

[0254] When the control unit (300) controls the water supply device (40) to supply water into the interior of the tub (20), the control unit (300) may determine that the water level sensor (200) is broken in response to the water level measured by the water level sensor (200) not changing for a predetermined period of time.

[0255] As another example, when the control unit (300) controls the drain pump (71) to discharge water to the outside of the tub (20), the control unit (300) may determine that the water level sensor (200) is broken in response to the water level measured by the water level sensor (200) not changing for a predetermined period of time.

[0256] As another example, when performing the drying process (1040), the control unit (300) may determine that the water level sensor (200) is broken in response to the water level measured by the water level sensor (200) not changing for a predetermined period of time.

[0257] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) can determine the end point of the drying process (1040) based on the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 10 when the water level sensor (200) is broken.

[0258] That is, the control unit (300) can determine the end point of the drying process (1040) based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor (160) when the water level sensor (200) is determined to be faulty.

[0259] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) can determine the end point of the drying process (1040) based on the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 10 even if the water level sensor (200) is not broken.

[0260] That is, the control unit (300) can determine the end point of the drying process (1040) based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor (160), regardless of whether the water level sensor (200) is broken.

[0261] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) can determine the end point of the drying process (1040) based on the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 9, if the water level sensor (200) is not broken.

[0262] That is, if the control unit (300) determines that the water level sensor (200) is not broken, the control unit (300) can determine the end point of the drying process (1040) based on the water level of the tub (20) measured by the water level sensor (200).

[0263] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) may determine the end point of the drying cycle (1040) based on the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 10 only when the water level sensor (200) is determined to be faulty.

[0264] That is, the control unit (300) can determine the end point of the drying process (1040) based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor (160) only when the water level sensor (200) is determined to be faulty.

[0265] In FIG. 9, a method for determining the end point of the drying process (1040) based on the water level measured by the water level sensor (200) is described with reference to FIG. 13.

[0266] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of the bottom surface of the tub of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 9 and 13, in one embodiment, the water level sensor (200) can measure a water level value (H) (1300). The water level value (H) refers to a value corresponding to the water level of the tub (20). Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the water level value (H) is described as the water level (H) of the tub (20).

[0267] The water level sensor (200) can measure the water level of the tub (20) only when the water level of the tub (20) is higher than the minimum water level (Hmin) that can be measured by the water level sensor (200). That is, when the water level of the tub (20) is lower than the minimum water level (Hmin), the water level sensor (200) cannot measure the water level of the tub (20). For example, the water level sensor (200) may not be able to measure the water level of the tub (20) when the water level of the tub (20) is lower than the minimum water level (Hmin) and has not yet risen to that level.

[0268] The control unit (300) can control the drainage pump (71) based on preset conditions during the drying process (1040) (1400).

[0269] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) can turn on the drain pump (71) in response to the water level (H) of the tub (20) measured by the water level sensor (200) reaching a predetermined water level (Hd).

[0270] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) may turn on the drain pump (71) regardless of the water level (H) of the tub (20) in response to the start of the drying cycle (1040).

[0271] If water stored in the tub (20) flows into the drum (30) during the drying process (1040), drying performance may deteriorate. In order for the water stored in the tub (20) to flow into the drum (30), the water level in the tub (20) must rise above a certain level. Accordingly, the drain water level (Hd) may be preset to a level at which the water stored in the tub (20) does not flow into the drum (30).

[0272] Turning on the drain pump (71) may include operating the drain pump (71). Operating the drain pump (71) may include operating the drain pump (71) for a predetermined period of time.

[0273] The control unit (300) can operate the drain pump (71) for a predetermined period of time in response to the water level (H) of the tub (20) measured by the water level sensor (200) reaching the drain water level (Hd). That is, the control unit (300) can turn on the drain pump (71) in response to the water level (H) of the tub (20) measured by the water level sensor (200) reaching the predetermined water level (Hd), and turn off the drain pump (71) in response to the elapse of a predetermined period of time. Here, the predetermined water level (Hd) can be preset as a water level higher than the minimum water level (Hmin) to be described later.

[0274] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) may turn on the drain pump (71) in response to a predetermined condition being detected by the temperature sensor (160). Turning on the drain pump (71) may include operating the drain pump (71). The control unit (300) may operate the drain pump (71) for a predetermined period of time in response to a predetermined condition being detected by the temperature sensor (160). That is, the control unit (300) may turn on the drain pump (71) in response to a predetermined condition being detected by the temperature sensor (160), and may turn off the drain pump (71) in response to a predetermined period of time elapsed.

[0275] The temperature sensor (160) is provided at a predetermined height (h) from the bottom of the tub (20). Accordingly, the temperature sensor (160) measures the temperature of the air inside the tub (20) during the drying cycle (1040), and when water fills the tub (20), it comes into contact with the water and measures the temperature of the water. Since hot air is supplied to the tub (20) during the drying cycle (1040), the temperature of the air inside the tub (20) is high, and the temperature of the condensed water guided to the tub (20) is relatively lower than the air inside the tub (20).

[0276] The temperature sensor (160) measures the temperature of the air inside the tub (20) during the drying cycle (1040), and when it comes into contact with the water that has filled the tub (20) and measures the temperature of the water, the temperature measured by the temperature sensor (160) decreases rapidly. That is, if the amount of change in temperature measured by the temperature sensor (160) per unit time is greater than a predetermined value, it can be estimated that water has filled the tub (20) to a predetermined height (h).

[0277] A given height (h) can correspond to the drainage water level (Hd).

[0278] That is, the temperature sensor (160) can be used to detect that the water level of the tub (20) has reached a predetermined height (h), which is described in more detail together with the flowchart of FIG. 10.

[0279] The detection of a predetermined condition by the temperature sensor (160) may include that the change in temperature measured by the temperature sensor (160) per first unit time is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. The change in temperature measured by the temperature sensor (160) being greater than or equal to a predetermined value may include that the temperature measured by the temperature sensor (160) has dropped by a predetermined value.

[0280] Here, the first unit time may be an integer multiple of the temperature measurement cycle of the temperature sensor (160). For example, assuming that the temperature sensor (160) measures the temperature every 100 ms, the first unit time may be an integer multiple of 100 ms, but the first unit time is not limited thereto. For example, the first unit time may be set to 1 second.

[0281] The control unit (300) can operate the drainage pump (71) for a predetermined period of time in response to the temperature change amount measured by the temperature sensor (160) per unit time being greater than a predetermined value.

[0282] Meanwhile, since the water level sensor (200) can measure the water level of the tub (20) only when the water level of the tub (20) reaches the minimum water level (Hmin), in order to accurately determine the end point of the drying process (1040) based on the water level of the tub (20), it is necessary to first make the water level of the tub (20) reach the minimum water level (Hmin).

[0283] The control unit (300) can control the water supply device (40) so that the water level of the tub (20) reaches the minimum water level (Hmin) measurable by the water level sensor (200) after operating the drainage pump (71) for a predetermined period of time (1450).

[0284] That is, the control unit (300) can control the water supply device (40) so that the water level of the tub (20) reaches the minimum water level (Hmin) after the operation of the drainage pump (71).

[0285] The control unit (300) can temporarily stop the operation of the fan (87a) and the compressor (91) when driving the water supply device (40), and can resume the operation of the fan (87a) and the compressor (91) based on the water level of the tub (20) reaching the minimum water level (Hmin).

[0286] Controlling the water supply device (40) may include controlling the water supply device (40) to supply water to the nozzle device (96) for cleaning the heat exchanger (92, 93).

[0287] Controlling the water supply device (40) may include controlling the water supply device (40) to supply water to the lower side of the tub (20) through the exhaust path (P).

[0288] When the water supply device (40) operates, the water sprayed from the nozzle device (96) moves along the drain line (97) to the bottom of the tub (20), so that the water level of the tub (20) can reach the minimum water level (Hmin).

[0289] Controlling the water supply device (40) so that the water level of the tub (20) reaches the minimum water level (Hmin) measurable by the water level sensor (200) may include stopping the operation of the water supply device (40) in response to the water level of the tub (20) reaching the minimum water level (Hmin).

[0290] However, since it takes some time for the water sprayed from the nozzle device (96) to move to the bottom of the tub (20) along the drain line (97), there is a problem in that if the operation of the water supply device (40) is stopped when the minimum water level (Hmin) is detected by the water level sensor (200), more water than necessary moves to the bottom of the tub (20).

[0291] Meanwhile, the amount of water required to reach the minimum water level (Hmin) of the tub (20) after the operation of the drain pump (71) may vary depending on the installation environment of the clothing treatment device (1). For example, the amount of water required to reach the minimum water level (Hmin) of the tub (20) after the operation of the drain pump (71) may vary depending on the installation height of the drain pipe (73).

[0292] In one embodiment, controlling the water supply device (40) so that the water level of the tub (20) reaches a minimum water level (Hmin) measurable by the water level sensor (200) may include driving the water supply device (40) for a predetermined water supply time after the operation of the drain pump (71).

[0293] Here, the predetermined water supply time corresponds to the amount of water required to reach the minimum water level (Hmin) of the tub (20), and may be changed.

[0294] If the installation height of the drain pipe (73) is relatively high, even after the operation of the drain pump (71) is completed, the water remaining in the drain pipe (73) may flow back into the tub (20) by gravity. Accordingly, the higher the installation height of the drain pipe (73) is, the more water remains in the tub (20) after the operation of the drain pump (71).

[0295] If the amount of water remaining in the tub (20) is relatively large, the amount of water required to reach the minimum water level (Hmin) in the tub (20) may be reduced.

[0296] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) can determine a predetermined water supply time based on the operating cycle of the drainage pump (71).

[0297] For example, the control unit (300) can set the predetermined water supply time to be shorter as the operating cycle of the drainage pump (71) becomes faster. Conversely, the control unit (300) can set the predetermined water supply time to be longer as the operating cycle of the drainage pump (71) becomes slower.

[0298] The control unit (300) can perform multiple drying operations (1040), accumulate and store the operating cycle of the drainage pump (71), and determine a predetermined water supply time based on the accumulated and stored operating cycle of the drainage pump (71).

[0299] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) may use only the operating cycle of the drain pump (71) at the beginning of the drying cycle (1040) to determine the predetermined water supply time.

[0300] Here, the operating cycle of the drain pump (71) at the beginning of the drying cycle (1040) may mean the operating cycle of the drain pump (71) when the drain pump (71) operates a predetermined number of times (e.g., about twice) after the start of the drying cycle (1040).

[0301] The control unit (300) can set the predetermined water supply time to be shorter as the operating cycle of the accumulated and stored drainage pump (71) is longer, and can set the predetermined water supply time to be longer as the operating cycle of the accumulated and stored drainage pump (71) is shorter.

[0302] Meanwhile, according to various embodiments, the control unit (300) can determine a predetermined water supply time using various methods that can determine the installation environment of the clothing treatment device (1).

[0303] For example, the clothing treatment device (1) can receive an installation height of a drain pipe (73) from a user, and the control unit (300) can determine a predetermined water supply time based on the installation height of the drain pipe (73) input by the user.

[0304] As another example, the control unit (300) can determine a predetermined water supply time based on the operating RPM of the drainage pump (71) at maximum output during the drainage cycle (1014, 1023).

[0305] According to the present disclosure, a clothing treatment device (1) is provided that can more accurately determine the end point of a drying cycle (1040) based on the water level of the tub (20) by causing the water level of the tub (20) to reach the minimum water level (Hmin) after the operation of the drainage pump (71).

[0306] According to the present disclosure, a clothing treatment device (1) is provided that can secure the performance of a heat exchanger (92, 93) by washing the heat exchanger (92, 93) during a drying process (1040).

[0307] According to the present disclosure, a clothing treatment device (1) is provided that can more accurately determine the end point of a drying cycle (1040) by performing 17 million operations described below.

[0308] According to various embodiments, the control unit (300) may omit operation 1450 if operation of the water supply device (40) is not required to bring the water level of the tub (20) to the minimum water level (Hmin) after operation of the drainage pump (71).

[0309] The control unit (300) can control the water supply device (40) to make the water level of the tub (20) reach the minimum water level (Hmin), and then determine the end point of the drying process (1040) based on the water level of the tub (20) measured by the water level sensor (200).

[0310] Depending on various embodiments, the control unit (300) may not perform operation 1450.

[0311] For example, the control unit (300) may perform operation 1450 only after driving the drainage pump (71) a predetermined number of times (e.g., twice) during the drying cycle (1040) for the efficiency of the heat exchanger (92, 93).

[0312] However, it goes without saying that the control unit (300) may perform operation 1450 after the operation of all drainage pumps (71) during the drying process (1040).

[0313] Actions 1550 and 1600, described below, can be performed only if action 1450 is omitted.

[0314] That is, when the control unit (300) does not control the water supply device (40) to make the water level of the tub (20) reach the minimum water level (Hmin), the control unit (300) can perform operations 1550 and 1600.

[0315] When the control unit (300) performs operation 1450 of controlling the water supply device (40) to make the water level of the tub (20) reach the minimum water level (Hmin), the control unit (300) can perform operation 1700.

[0316] That is, when performing operation 1450, operations 1550 and 1600 can be omitted because the water level (H) of the tub (20) reaches the minimum water level (Hmin) by operation 1450.

[0317] The control unit (300) can determine whether the water level (H) of the tub (20) is lower than the minimum water level (Hmin) (1500).

[0318] If operation 1450 is omitted, the control unit (300) can compare the water level change amount (K) of the tub (20) per second unit time with the reference value (Kref) when the water level (H) of the tub (20) is higher than the minimum water level (Hmin) (example of 1500) (1700). The change amount per unit time can be referred to as the rate of change.

[0319] When performing operation 1450, the control unit (300) can compare the water level change amount (K) of the tub (20) per second unit time after operation 1450 with the reference value (Kref) (1700).

[0320] Considering that it takes a certain amount of time for water sprayed from the nozzle device (96) to move along the drain line (97) to the bottom of the tub (20), the control unit (300) can perform operation 1700 based on the passage of a predetermined time (e.g., 5 seconds) after performing operation 1450.

[0321] Here, the second unit time may be an integer multiple of the water level measurement cycle of the water level sensor (200). For example, assuming that the water level sensor (200) measures the water level every 100 ms, the second unit time may be an integer multiple of 100 ms, but the second unit time is not limited thereto. The second unit time may be longer than the first unit time. For example, the second unit time may be set to approximately 3 minutes.

[0322] The fact that the water level change (K) of the tub (20) is greater than the reference value (Kref) means that condensate is continuously generated in the heat exchanger (92, 93), which means that the humidity of the air inside the tub (20) is high, and therefore, the laundry is not sufficiently dried.

[0323] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) determines that the drying process (1040) is not completed based on the fact that the water level change amount (K) of the tub (20) per second unit time is greater than the reference value (Kref) (No of 1700), and can continue the drying process (1040).

[0324] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) can operate the drain pump (71) based on whether the amount of change in water level (K) of the tub (20) per second unit time is greater than the reference value (Kref) (No of 1700) (1400). For example, the control unit (300) can operate the drain pump (71) when the water level (H) of the tub (20) reaches the drain water level (Hd) while the amount of change in water level (K) of the tub (20) per second unit time is not greater than the reference value (Kref).

[0325] On the other hand, if the water level change (K) of the tub (20) is below the reference value (Kref), it means that condensate is not continuously generated in the heat exchanger (92, 93), which means that the humidity of the air inside the tub (20) is low, and thus, the laundry is sufficiently dried.

[0326] The reference value (Kref) may vary depending on the weight and / or quality of the laundry measured in the laundry measurement (1011), the drying settings set by the user and / or the course selected by the user.

[0327] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) can terminate the drying process (1040) based on the fact that the water level change amount (K) of the tub (20) per second unit time is less than or equal to the reference value (Kref) (example of 1700) (1800).

[0328] Terminating the drying process (1040) based on the fact that the water level change amount (K) of the tub (20) per second unit time is less than or equal to the reference value (Kref) (example of 1700) may include terminating the drying process (1040) based on the fact that the water level change amount (K) of the tub (20) per second unit time is detected to be less than or equal to the reference value (Kref) a predetermined number of times in succession.

[0329] That is, the control unit (300) can identify whether the amount of change in water level (K) of the tub (20) per second unit time is less than or equal to the reference value (Kref), and can terminate the drying process (1040) in response to the fact that the amount of change in water level (K) of the tub (20) per second unit time is less than or equal to the reference value (Kref) continuously being detected a predetermined number of times.

[0330] According to the present disclosure, a clothing treatment device (1) is provided that estimates the dryness of laundry using a water level sensor (200) without a separate dryness sensor, and ends a drying cycle (1040) when drying of the laundry is completed.

[0331] In the present disclosure, terminating the drying cycle (1040) may include terminating the driving of the driving device (36) and the drying device (80), outputting a visual and / or audible notification indicating the end of the drying cycle (1040) through the output interface (102), and / or transmitting an electrical signal indicating the end of the drying cycle (1040) to the user device through the communication interface (150).

[0332] If operation 1450 is omitted, the control unit (300) can count the time (hereinafter, 'maintenance time') during which the water level (H) of the tub (20) remains lower than the minimum water level (Hmin) (1550).

[0333] When the water level (H) of the tub (20) is higher than the minimum water level (Hmin), the water level change is not measured by the water level sensor (200).

[0334] Accordingly, the control unit (300) can compare the maintenance time with the reference time (1600) when the water level (H) of the tub (20) is lower than the minimum water level (Hmin) (No of 1500). Here, the reference time can be set to approximately 10 minutes, but is not limited thereto.

[0335] The control unit (300) can terminate the drying process (1040) based on the maintenance time reaching the reference time (example of 1600) (1800).

[0336] That is, the control unit (300) can terminate the drying process (1040) when the water level (H) of the tub (20) is lower than the minimum water level (Hmin) (No of 1500) and when the water level (H) of the tub (20) remains lower than the minimum water level (Hmin) for a reference time.

[0337] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) can operate the drain pump (71) when the water level (H) of the tub (20) does not remain lower than the minimum water level (Hmin) for a reference time (No of 1600) and the water level change amount (K) of the tub (20) does not exceed the reference value (Kref) and the water level (H) of the tub (20) reaches the drain water level (Hd) (1400).

[0338] According to the present disclosure, a clothing treatment device (1) is provided that estimates the dryness of laundry using a water level sensor (200) without a separate dryness sensor, and ends a drying cycle (1040) when drying of the laundry is completed.

[0339] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) can prevent water from remaining in the tub (20) after completion of the drying cycle (1040) by operating the drainage pump (71) for a predetermined period of time in the operation of ending the drying cycle (1040).

[0340] Meanwhile, as explained above, in the case of a clothing treatment device (1) without a water level sensor (200) or a clothing treatment device (1) with a broken water level sensor (200), there is a need to determine the end point of the drying cycle (1040) using another sensor.

[0341] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for controlling a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0342] Referring to FIG. 10, a temperature sensor (160) can measure a temperature value (2100).

[0343] As described in operation 1400 of FIG. 9, the control unit (300) can operate the drainage pump (71) for a predetermined period of time in response to a predetermined condition being detected by the temperature sensor (160).

[0344] That is, the control unit (300) can control the drainage pump (71) based on the temperature value (2200). Operation 2200 may be described in operation 1400 of FIG. 9.

[0345] The control unit (300) can turn on the drain pump (71) in response to a predetermined condition being detected by the temperature sensor (160), and turn off the drain pump (71) when a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0346] FIG. 11 illustrates a scene where water comes into contact with a temperature sensor as water fills a tub of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 illustrates a scene where water that came into contact with a temperature sensor is drained as a drain pump of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure operates.

[0347] Referring to Fig. 11, during the drying process (1040), condensate is generated in the heat exchanger (92, 93) by the moist air inside the tub (20), and the condensate is guided to the tub (20), so that the water level of the tub (20) gradually increases (as indicated by the upward arrow).

[0348] As the water level of the tub (20) increases, when the water level of the tub (20) reaches a predetermined height (h), the temperature sensor (160) comes into contact with the condensate. Since hot air is supplied to the tub (20), the temperature of the air in the tub (20) is high, while the temperature of the condensate, which has a high specific heat, cannot but be relatively lower than the temperature of the air in the tub (20).

[0349] The temperature sensor (160) can detect a sudden drop in temperature when it comes into contact with condensate.

[0350] Referring to FIG. 12, if the change in temperature measured by the temperature sensor (160) per first unit time is greater than a predetermined value, the control unit (300) determines that the temperature sensor (160) has come into contact with condensate, and can operate the drainage pump (71) for a predetermined period of time.

[0351] When the drain pump (71) is operated, the water level in the tub (20) decreases (as indicated by the downward arrow), and the temperature sensor (160) no longer comes into contact with the condensate and measures the temperature of the air in the tub (20) again.

[0352] A predetermined time for which the drain pump (71) operates can be preset so that the water level in the tub (20) can be lowered to a predetermined height (h).

[0353] According to the above principle, if the drying cycle (1040) continues to proceed without the laundry being dried, the water level of the tub (20) increases again, and when the water level of the tub (20) increases and the condensate comes into contact with the temperature sensor (160), the drain pump (71) operates again for a predetermined period of time, and this process can be repeated.

[0354] Meanwhile, if the laundry is sufficiently dried and no more condensation is generated, the water level in the tub (20) cannot increase, and thus the state in which the condensation and the temperature sensor (160) do not come into contact may continue.

[0355] The control unit (300) can determine the end point of the drying cycle (1040) based on the operating cycle (P) of the drain pump (71). Meanwhile, the operating cycle (P) of the drain pump (71) is determined based on the temperature value measured by the temperature sensor (160). That is, determining the end point of the drying cycle (1040) based on the operating cycle (P) of the drain pump (71) may include determining the end point of the drying cycle (1040) based on the temperature value measured by the temperature sensor (160).

[0356] Determining the end point of the drying process (1040) based on the temperature value measured by the temperature sensor (160) may include determining the end point of the drying process (1040) based on the cycle in which a predetermined condition is detected by the temperature sensor (160).

[0357] The control unit (300) can compare the operating cycle (P) of the drainage pump (71) with the reference time (Pref) (2300).

[0358] The reference time (Pref) may be changed depending on the weight and / or quality of the laundry measured in the laundry measurement (1011), the drying settings set by the user, and / or the course selected by the user.

[0359] The operating cycle (P) of the drain pump (71) may mean the time from the time the drain pump (71) is turned off to the time it is turned on again.

[0360] The control unit (300) can terminate the drying process (1040) in response to the operation cycle (P) of the drainage pump (71) exceeding the reference time (Pref) (example of 2300) (2400).

[0361] In other words, the control unit (300) can terminate the drying cycle (1040) in response to the drainage pump (71) not operating for a reference time (Pref).

[0362] In another expression, the control unit (300) can terminate the drying process (1040) in response to a period in which a predetermined condition is detected by the temperature sensor (160) exceeding a reference time (Pref) (example of 2300) (2400).

[0363] In another expression, the control unit (300) can terminate the drying process (1040) in response to a predetermined condition not being detected by the temperature sensor (160) for a reference time (Pref) (2400).

[0364] On the other hand, the control unit (300) can continuously perform the drying process (1040) if the operating cycle (P) of the drainage pump (71) is shorter than the reference time (Pref).

[0365] According to the present disclosure, a clothing treatment device (1) is provided that can indirectly estimate the dryness of laundry and determine the end point of a drying cycle (1040) by using a temperature sensor (160) for measuring the temperature of water stored in a tub (20).

[0366] FIG. 14 is a drawing for explaining the drain pump operation cycle in the drying cycle of a clothing treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0367] Referring to Fig. 14, the clothing treatment device (1) can start a drying cycle (1040) at time t0. When the drying cycle (1040) starts and the operating conditions of the drain pump (71) are satisfied at time t1, the drain pump (71) can be turned on and operated for a predetermined time (rt). The drain pump (71) can be turned off at time t2 when a predetermined time (rt) has elapsed from time t1.

[0368] The operating conditions of the drainage pump (71) can be detected by the temperature sensor (160) and / or the water level sensor (200) as described above.

[0369] The clothing treatment device (1) can turn on the drain pump (71) and operate it for a predetermined period of time (rt) when the operating conditions of the drain pump (71) are satisfied at a time t3 after a time t2 when the drain pump (71) is turned off.

[0370] The time between the time t2 when the drain pump (71) is turned off and the time t3 when the drain pump (71) is turned on corresponds to the operating cycle (a) of the drain pump (71).

[0371] The clothing treatment device (1) repeats the on / off operation of the drain pump (71) in this way, and can turn off the drain pump (71) at time t4.

[0372] The clothing treatment device (1) can end the drying cycle (1040) when a reference time (aref) has elapsed since the time t4 when the drain pump (71) is turned off. That is, the clothing treatment device (1) can end the drying cycle (1040) at a time t5 when the operation cycle (a) of the drain pump (71) exceeds the reference time (aref).

[0373] According to the present disclosure, a clothing treatment device (1) is provided that can more accurately determine the end point of a drying cycle (1040) using a water level sensor (200).

[0374] According to the present disclosure, a clothing treatment device (1) is provided that can more accurately determine the end point of a drying cycle (1040) using a temperature sensor (160).

[0375] A clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a tub (20); a drying device (80) that supplies hot air to the tub (20); a drain pump (71) that discharges water stored in the tub (20) to the outside; a temperature sensor (160) provided at a predetermined height (h) from the bottom of the tub (20); and a control unit (300) that operates the drying device in response to the start of a drying cycle (1040), operates the drain pump (71) for a predetermined time in response to a predetermined condition being detected by the temperature sensor (160), and determines the end point of the drying cycle (1040) based on the operating cycle of the drain pump (71).

[0376] The control unit (300) can terminate the drying cycle (1040) in response to the drainage pump (71) not operating for a reference time.

[0377] The predetermined condition may include that the amount of change in temperature measured by the temperature sensor (160) per unit time is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

[0378] The clothing treatment device (1) may further include a water level sensor (200) that measures the water level of the tub (20).

[0379] The drying device (80) may further include a heat exchanger (92, 93) and a nozzle device (96) for spraying water toward the heat exchanger (92, 93).

[0380] The clothing treatment device (1) may further include a water supply device (40) that supplies water to the nozzle device (96).

[0381] The control unit (300) can control the water supply device (40) so that the water level of the tub (20) reaches the minimum water level (Hmin) measurable by the water level sensor (200) after the operation of the drainage pump (71).

[0382] The control unit (300) can determine the end point of the drying cycle (1040) based on the operating cycle of the drainage pump (71) only when the water level sensor (200) is determined to be faulty.

[0383] If it is determined that the water level sensor (200) is not broken, the control unit (300) can determine the end point of the drying process (1040) based on the water level of the tub (20) measured by the water level sensor (200).

[0384] The control unit (300) can determine the end point of the drying process (1040) based on the amount of change in the water level of the tub (20) per unit time after controlling the water supply device (40).

[0385] The control unit (300) can terminate the drying process (1040) if the amount of change in the water level of the tub (20) per unit time is below a reference value.

[0386] If it is determined that the water level sensor (200) is not broken, the control unit (300) can end the drying process (1040) if the water level of the tub (20) remains lower than the minimum water level (Hmin) for a reference time after the operation of the drain pump (71).

[0387] The control unit (300) can operate the drainage pump (71) for a predetermined period of time in response to a predetermined condition being detected by the temperature sensor (160) only when the water level sensor (200) is determined to be faulty.

[0388] The control unit (300) can operate the drain pump (71) for a predetermined period of time in response to the water level of the tub (20) measured by the water level sensor (200) reaching a predetermined level or a predetermined condition being detected by the temperature sensor (160).

[0389] A method for controlling a clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: operating a drying device in response to the start of a drying cycle (1040); operating a drain pump (71) for a predetermined period of time in response to a predetermined condition being detected by a temperature sensor (160) provided at a predetermined height from the bottom of a tub (20); and determining an end point of the drying cycle (1040) based on an operating cycle of the drain pump (71).

[0390] Determining the end point of the drying cycle (1040) based on the operating cycle of the drain pump (71) may include terminating the drying cycle (1040) in response to the drain pump (71) not operating for a reference time.

[0391] Determining the end point of the drying cycle (1040) based on the operating cycle of the drainage pump (71) can be performed only when the water level sensor (200) measuring the water level of the tub (20) is broken.

[0392] The control method of the clothing treatment device (1) may further include controlling the water supply device (40) so that the water level of the tub (20) reaches the minimum water level (Hmin) measurable by the water level sensor (200) after the operation of the drainage pump (71).

[0393] The control method of the clothing treatment device (1) may further include determining the end point of the drying cycle (1040) based on the water level of the tub (20) measured by the water level sensor (200) when the water level sensor (200) is not broken.

[0394] Determining the end point of the drying process (1040) based on the water level of the tub (20) may include determining the end point of the drying process (1040) based on the amount of change in the water level of the tub (20) per unit time after controlling the water supply device (40).

[0395] Determining the end point of the drying process (1040) based on the amount of change in the water level of the tub (20) per unit time may include terminating the drying process (1040) if the amount of change in the water level of the tub (20) per unit time is less than or equal to a reference value.

[0396] The control method of the clothing treatment device (1) may further include terminating the drying cycle (1040) when the water level of the tub (20) remains lower than the minimum water level (Hmin) for a reference time after the operation of the drainage pump (71).

[0397] Operating the drain pump (71) for a predetermined period of time in response to a predetermined condition being detected by the temperature sensor (160) can be performed only when the water level sensor (200) measuring the water level of the tub (20) is broken.

[0398] The control method of the clothing treatment device (1) may further include operating the drain pump (71) for a predetermined period of time in response to the water level of the tub (20) measured by the water level sensor (200) measuring the water level of the tub (20) reaching a predetermined level.

[0399] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium storing computer-executable instructions. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, may generate program modules to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0400] Computer-readable storage media include all types of storage media that store instructions that can be deciphered by a computer. Examples include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic tape, magnetic disks, flash memory, and optical data storage devices.

[0401] Additionally, a computer-readable recording medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term "non-transitory storage medium" simply means a tangible device that does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish between cases where data is permanently stored in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored. For example, a "non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0402] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable recording medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated on a machine-readable recording medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0403] The disclosed embodiments have been described with reference to the attached drawings as described above. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in forms other than the disclosed embodiments without altering the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. In a clothing processing device, tub; A drying device that supplies hot air to the above tub; A drain pump that discharges water stored in the tub to the outside of the clothing treatment device; A temperature sensor provided at a predetermined height from the bottom of the above tub; and A clothing treatment device comprising a control unit that operates the drying device in response to the start of a drying cycle, operates the drain pump for a predetermined period of time in response to a predetermined condition being detected by the temperature sensor, and determines the end point of the drying cycle based on the operating cycle of the drain pump.

2. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, A clothes treatment device that terminates the drying cycle in response to the drain pump not operating for a reference time.

3. In paragraph 1, The above conditions are, A clothing treatment device including a temperature change rate measured by the temperature sensor that is greater than a predetermined value.

4. In paragraph 1, The above drying device, heat exchanger; and A nozzle device for spraying water toward the heat exchanger is included; The above clothing treatment device, A water supply device that supplies water to the above nozzle device; and Further comprising a water level sensor for measuring the water level of the above tub; The above control unit, A clothing treatment device that controls the water supply device to supply water to the nozzle device so that the water level of the tub reaches at least the minimum water level measurable by the water level sensor after the operation of the drain pump.

5. In paragraph 4, A clothing treatment device in which the control unit determines the end point of the drying cycle based on the water level of the tub measured by the water level sensor in response to determining that the water level sensor is not in a malfunction state.

6. In paragraph 5, The above control unit, A clothing treatment device that determines the end point of the drying cycle based on the rate of change in the water level of the tub after controlling the water supply device.

7. In paragraph 6, The above control unit, A clothing treatment device that terminates the drying process when the rate of change in the water level of the above tub is below a reference value.

8. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a water level sensor for measuring the water level of the above tub; The above control unit, A clothes treatment device that terminates the drying cycle when, in response to determining that the water level sensor is not in a malfunction state, the water level of the tub remains lower than the minimum water level measurable by the water level sensor for a reference time after the operation of the drain pump.

9. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a water level sensor for measuring the water level of the above tub; The above control unit, A clothes treatment device that operates the drain pump for the predetermined period of time in response to the detection of the predetermined condition by the temperature sensor only when the water level sensor is determined to be in a faulty state.

10. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a water level sensor for measuring the water level of the above tub; The above control unit, A clothing treatment device that operates the drain pump for the predetermined period of time in response to the water level of the tub measured by the water level sensor reaching a predetermined level or the predetermined condition being detected by the temperature sensor.

11. Operate the drying device in response to the start of the drying process; In response to a predetermined condition being detected by a temperature sensor provided at a predetermined height from the bottom of the tub, the drain pump is operated for a predetermined period of time; A method for controlling a garment treatment device, comprising: determining the end point of the drying cycle based on the operating cycle of the drainage pump.

12. In paragraph 11, A method for controlling a garment treatment device, further comprising: terminating the drying cycle in response to the drainage pump not operating for a reference time.

13. In paragraph 11, The above conditions are, A method for controlling a clothing treatment device, wherein the rate of change in temperature measured by the temperature sensor is greater than a predetermined value.

14. In paragraph 11, A method for controlling a clothes treatment device, further comprising: controlling a water supply device so that the water level of the tub reaches at least a minimum water level measurable by a water level sensor after the operation of the drain pump.

15. In paragraph 14, The control method of the above clothing treatment device is: In a case where the water level sensor is not in a malfunction state, determining the end point of the drying process based on the water level of the tub measured by the water level sensor; Determining the end point of the drying cycle based on the operating cycle of the above drainage pump is as follows: A method for controlling a clothing treatment device that is performed only when the above water level sensor is determined to be in a faulty state.

Images